Statement by Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Kidnapping Incident of a Japanese National in Ethiopia

January 8, 2009

Around 9:00 p.m. on January 7 (Kenyan time: 3:00 p.m. the same day), I received a report from the Japanese Embassy in Kenya that Ms. Keiko Akahane, who was kidnapped in eastern Ethiopia in September 2008, had been released. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Akahane, her family and all others concerned.
The Government of Japan condemns kidnapping as a contemptible criminal act, and stresses again that such an act cannot be justified for any reason.
Somalia, in which Ms. Akahane was illegitimately detained, is virtually in a state of anarchy, giving rise to many security-related incidents including kidnapping. Japan is very much concerned about the situation in Somalia. Based on the understanding that Somalia’s peace and stability are important to the stability of the Horn of Africa region and measures against international terrorism, Japan intends to continue to cooperate with the international community to achieve peace in Somalia.
Kidnapping that targets foreigners has been on the rise around the world, and the number of cases that include Japanese victims is rising. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been making every effort to warn Japanese travelers and citizens residing abroad to stay away from dangerous areas, by issuing a series of travel advice and warnings, as well as spot information through its Overseas Security website page. I hope that all Japanese citizens will pay close attention to these warnings.

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